LUXE Serendipity magazine

By Donna Richardson

It was half-term, and like many parents, I was wondering how to keep my nine-year-old entertained. Then the perfect invitation landed – Grill School at Rodeo’s BBQ. I didn’t need to think twice. I booked the train immediately.

Four trains later, after a scenic journey through the countryside, we arrived at our destination. If I had stopped to think too hard about the logistics, I might have talked myself out of it – but the journey turned out to be surprisingly smooth, taking less than two hours from door to door, and sometimes the adventure is part of the fun.

A Warm Welcome – In Every Sense

Arriving at the cook school at Eakley Manor Farm just outside Milton Keynes, the first thing that hits you is the smell – smoke, charcoal, and sizzling meat hanging in the air before you’ve even stepped inside. It’s instantly inviting, especially on one of the hottest days of the year.

People are mingling, chatting, and laughing. It feels less like a classroom and more like a working BBQ pit, filled with music, conversation, and the steady rhythm of food being prepared.

We were welcomed by Rodeo Rob, handed our aprons, and quickly paired up at a top-of-the-range cooking station. My daughter was one of the youngest participants, but everything was set up to make everyone feel capable and included. The grills were hot, ingredients were prepped, and tools were neatly laid out. There was no sitting around watching for long – within minutes, we were cooking and having the time of our lives.

Learning by Doing

Rob kicked things off with a relaxed demonstration offering practical tips on controlling heat, knowing when to flip, and building layers of flavour. Then it was our turn to get stuck in.

One of the most memorable parts of the day was cooking on the flat-top griddle. We started by frying breakfast bacon and eggs fresh from the yard hens before moving on to pancakes, which my daughter absolutely loved making. It was delicious – a breakfast of champions.

Then came a fun surprise: popcorn on the grill. After a quick clean-down, the heat went up. We rubbed chicken with seasoning, warmed rice and corn, and enjoyed the easy conversation that comes when everyone is cooking together. But the highlight of the day, without question, was searing steaks and preparing roast potatoes and broccoli — a proper feast that felt well-earned.

Safe, Social, and Seriously Fun

The pace is fast and energetic, but everything feels safe and well-managed. It was the perfect introduction to cooking for our daughter, who left feeling proud of what she had made.

Of course, not everything goes perfectly – a piece of bacon did end up on the floor at one point. Fortunately, the friendly farm dogs were nearby to help with the clean-up, which only added to the laughter. Sometimes those little mishaps are what make the best memories.

As the session continued, we found our rhythm. Strangers at the station quickly became teammates, swapping tips and tasting each other’s creations. The atmosphere stayed relaxed and social – more “BBQ hangout” than formal cooking class — with a genuinely family-friendly vibe and plenty of other families enjoying the experience together.

A Feast to Finish

By the end of the session, everyone sits down to eat what they’ve cooked. And it’s a lot of food – smoky, rich, slightly messy, and completely delicious. There’s a real sense of achievement in knowing you’ve made it yourself, rather than simply watching someone else do it.

The experience doesn’t end when the cooking stops. On-site, visitors can explore the farm shop, stocked with grills, sauces, quality ingredients, and Americana-style clothing. There’s even the option to stay overnight and turn the day into a full countryside escape.

We left in an Uber smelling faintly of smoke, happily full, and already talking about trying the techniques again at home.

Safe to say, we were converted.

And we can’t wait to have a sizzling summer with our own grill.

Find out more at BBQ School – Rodeo’s